Rodney Strong Sonoma County Chardonnay 2006
Region: Sonoma Valley
Winery: Rodney Strong
Variety: Chardonnay

Nearly four decades ago we discovered that the west and southwestern regions of Sonoma County are ideal for growing Chardonnay grapes. The cool maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean arriving reliably in the form of fog each summer evening maintains the bright natural acidity that is key to the balance of any fine chardonnay, while the warm summer afternoons we enjoy ensure plenty of ripe fruit character. A combination of estate grown and locally farmed fruit, we source the benchland and alluvial soils from some 300 acres of vineyard in the Russian River, Chalk Hill, and Sonoma Coast appellations in the making of this wine.
The 2006 vintage began with a rather late bud break during an unseasonably cool and wet spring. March rains slowed shoot growth down considerably, and set the timer for a late harvest. After a fine May and June, much of July was a scorcher, including a 10 day stretch where every day saw temperatures over 90 degrees, and several days topped out at 110! Fortunately, the delayed development of the grapes kept sun scorch to a minimum. Harvest began at the end of August, and continued all the way into mid October. This extended ripening period was accompanied by mild weather and promoted excellent flavor development, with the last of the grapes harvested on October 13th.
We barrel fermented a bit less than half of this wine, and aged that portion in barrel for 9 months, offering the wine a touch of brown spice and vanilla, while cold fermenting the other half to maximize a fresh fruit-forward character. Bright lemon and apple aromas mingle with hints of toasty barrel complexity, and on the palate, pear and pineapple with spice and refreshing acidity will have you coming back for another glass. Enjoy this lively chardonnay now and over the next couple of years.

Acclaim 2005:

88 POINTS - Wine Enthusiast , April 2007

Posted by thewinery on December 2nd, 2007 at 9:22pm | report comment